## Art Deco Architecture in Historic Buildings

### Introduction to Art Deco
Art Deco is a highly stylized modern art and design movement characterized by sleek graphics, sharp lines, and ornate detailing. Having reached the height of its popularity throughout the roaring twenties and the early thirties, Art Deco architecture showcases the harmony between artistic style and sophisticated technology during the interwar period. Originating in France, it took its name from the International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts held in Paris in 1925.

### Historical Context and Development
Art Deco emerged in a time of rapid industrial advancement and after the austerity imposed by the First World War. It represented luxury, glamour, and exuberance, which perfectly mirrored the societal atmosphere of the 1920s and 1930s. The style extended far beyond architecture, influencing fashion, furniture, graphic arts, and even transportation design.

### Characteristics of Art Deco Architecture
Art Deco buildings are noted for their decorative elements, which include geometric shapes, intense symmetry, and bold contrasts. Facades are typically adorned with intricate motifs such as chevrons, zigzags, stylized floral patterns, sunburst motifs, and stepped shapes reminiscent of Mayan and other early civilizations' architectural forms. Materials like aluminum, stainless steel, lacquer, inlaid wood, sharkskin, and zebra skin were prominent, reflecting the era's fascination with machinery and industrial aesthetics.

### Prominence in Historic Buildings
In historic buildings, the influence of Art Deco is evident in numerous skyscrapers and structures around the world from that era. This style was ideally suited to the emerging skylines of cosmopolitan cities such as New York, Chicago, and Miami. Notable examples include the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building in New York, and the Historic District in Miami Beach, which is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.

### Art Deco and Modern Use
Despite its historical roots, Art Deco continues to be adapted and used in modern architecture as well. It is often viewed as a bridge between neoclassical architectural traditions and modernist innovations. Even today, architects might add Art Deco elements to add a touch of elegance and flamboyance to their designs. 

### Conclusion
The Art Deco style remains a significant and defining feature in not only historical edifices but also in the design philosophies that influence current architectural trends. It stands as a testament to a transformative period in world history, symbolizing a bridge between the old world and the new, with a focus on modernity and a zest for life.

### References
- Baker, T. F. "American Art Deco: Modernistic Architecture and Regionalism." (2003): pp. 145-178.
- Duncan, A. (1988). "Art Deco Furniture: The French Designers." New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
- Hill, J. & Bloom, H. (2010). "Art Deco Architecture Across the United States." Buildings and Structures. 12(2), 89-104. 

Valuing both aesthetic appeal and functionality, Art Deco remains a monumental and distinctive style in the architectural family tree, solidifying its role as a major player in the development of decorative arts and architectural innovation.